EP1149676A1 - Filled article - Google Patents
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- Publication number
- EP1149676A1 EP1149676A1 EP00904013A EP00904013A EP1149676A1 EP 1149676 A1 EP1149676 A1 EP 1149676A1 EP 00904013 A EP00904013 A EP 00904013A EP 00904013 A EP00904013 A EP 00904013A EP 1149676 A1 EP1149676 A1 EP 1149676A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- skin layer
- filler
- opening
- padding
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J9/00—Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
- C08J9/33—Agglomerating foam fragments, e.g. waste foam
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
- B29C39/02—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C39/10—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. casting around inserts or for coating articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
- B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C44/12—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements
- B29C44/14—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements the preformed part being a lining
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C67/00—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00
- B29C67/20—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00 for porous or cellular articles, e.g. of foam plastics, coarse-pored
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/75—Arm-rests
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/80—Head-rests
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C31/00—Handling, e.g. feeding of the material to be shaped, storage of plastics material before moulding; Automation, i.e. automated handling lines in plastics processing plants, e.g. using manipulators or robots
- B29C31/04—Feeding of the material to be moulded, e.g. into a mould cavity
- B29C31/041—Feeding of the material to be moulded, e.g. into a mould cavity using filling or dispensing heads placed in closed moulds or in contact with mould walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
- B29C33/02—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with incorporated heating or cooling means
- B29C33/04—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with incorporated heating or cooling means using liquids, gas or steam
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
- B29C33/10—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with incorporated venting means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
- B29C33/20—Opening, closing or clamping
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
- B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
- B29C35/04—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould using liquids, gas or steam
- B29C35/049—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould using liquids, gas or steam using steam or damp
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2075/00—Use of PU, i.e. polyureas or polyurethanes or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/06—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
- B29K2105/16—Fillers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2503/00—Use of resin-bonded materials as filler
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
- B29L2031/3023—Head-rests
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J2205/00—Foams characterised by their properties
- C08J2205/06—Flexible foams
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J2375/00—Characterised by the use of polyureas or polyurethanes; Derivatives of such polymers
- C08J2375/04—Polyurethanes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J2475/00—Characterised by the use of polyureas or polyurethanes; Derivatives of such polymers
- C08J2475/04—Polyurethanes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a padded body molding technique and, in particular, relates to a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler such as chips padded into the skin layer, a method for manufacturing such a padded body and padding and/or molding devices used for the manufacture thereof.
- a cushion may be used for a headrest and an armrest equipped in an automobile.
- a cushion is composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and an inner body molded in a desired three-dimensional shape, and the inner body is inserted in and covered with the skin layer.
- the inner body is formed of filler such as urethane chips, and such an inner body can be obtained by passing steam through a mixture of urethane chips and a water reactive urethane binder to adhere those chips each other.
- the surface of the inner body is not smooth as described above, it takes long time for covering the inner body with the skin layer, and this makes the productivity worse. Also, even though such an inner body is covered with the skin layer, the skin layer is shifted relative to the inner body so that a wrinkle is produced on the surface of the skin layer and a seam of the skin layer is undesirably curved, and thus, as another problem, this makes its quality worse.
- the inner body has a depression part
- a special treatment is carried out using adhesive and the like.
- a surface to be treated is inside the skin layer, such a treatment is difficult to carry out.
- the present invention is made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a padded body (typically used for a headrest and an armrest equipped in an automobile) composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material such as chips padded into the skin layer and its manufacturing method, and according to the present invention, the padded body can be easily formed by padding the filler into the skin layer and its quality is stably maintained even though any filler having any hardness is used.
- a padded body typically used for a headrest and an armrest equipped in an automobile
- the padded body can be easily formed by padding the filler into the skin layer and its quality is stably maintained even though any filler having any hardness is used.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide the padded body described above and its manufacturing method wherein the skin layer can be adhered to the filler padded into it so as not to separate the skin layer from a mass of the filler padded into it even though the padded body has a depression part.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a padding and/or molding container for carrying out the method according to the present invention.
- One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material padded into the skin layer wherein the filler adheres each other and adheres to the skin layer.
- a water reactive binder is mixed with the filler, and then, a mixture of the filler and the binder is padded into the skin layer to form a padded body.
- steam is passed through the padded body so that the binder reacts to the steam passing through the padded body, and thereby the filler adheres each other and adheres to the inner surface of the skin layer.
- the method Prior to passing steam through the padded body, the method includes setting the padded body in a molding container.
- the molding container has a predetermined cavity, and thereby the padded body can be molded into a predetermined shape.
- Another aspect of the present invention is a method for forming a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material to be supplied to the inside of the skin layer.
- the skin layer has at least a porous part and an opening, and this skin layer is set in a padding container.
- the padding container has an inner space, a suction port connected between the inner space and a pumping source and a supply port through which the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer.
- the supply port is provided in the padding container such that the opening of the skin layer set in the padding container can fit to the supply port, and thereby the skin layer is set in the padding container such that the opening of the skin layer fits to the supply port.
- the pumping source is driven to produce airflow from the supply port to the inside of the skin layer through the opening and from the inside of the skin layer to the suction port.
- a predetermined amount of the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer to form a padded body.
- the filler may be premixed with a water reactive binder, and the padded body may be set in a molding container having a predetermined cavity.
- the binder reacts to steam passing through the molding container, and thereby the filler adheres each other and adheres to the skin layer.
- Still another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material padded into the skin layer wherein the filler adheres each other and adheres to the skin layer.
- a water reactive binder is premixed with the filler.
- the skin layer has at least a porous part and an opening for supplying the filler to the inside of skin layer, and this skin layer is set in a padding and molding container.
- This padding and molding container has a cavity and a slide block that can move between an opening position and a dosing position. When the slide block is moved into the closing position, the cavity is formed in a predetermined shape.
- the padding and molding container also has a supply port through which the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer and a suction port connected to a pumping source. When the slide block is moved into the opening position, the suction port connects between the cavity and the pumping source.
- the supply port is provided in the molding container such that the opening of the skin layer set in the padding and molding container fits to the supply port, and thereby the skin layer is set in the padding and molding container such that the opening of the skin layer fits to the supply port of the padding and molding container.
- the pumping source is driven when the slide block is at the opening position, so that airflow is produced from the supply port to the inside of the skin layer through the opening of the skin layer and from the inside of the skin layer to the suction port.
- a predetermined amount of the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer by use of this airflow to form a padded body.
- the slide block is moved into the closing position, and then, steam is passed through the inside of the padding and molding container.
- the other aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular of fragmental material padded into the skin layer wherein the filler adheres each other and adherers to an inner surface of the skin layer.
- a water reactive binder is premixed with the filler.
- the skin layer has at least a porous part and an opening for supplying the filler to the inside of the skin layer, and this skin layer is set in a pre-molding container provided in a padding container.
- the padding container has an inner space, a suction port connected between the inner space and a pumping source and a supply port connected to the outside of the padding container.
- the pre-molding container has a cavity, an entry through which the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer and at least one through hole connected between the cavity and the inner space of the padding container.
- the entry is provided in the pre-molding container such that the opening of the skin layer set in the pre-molding container fits to the entry, and thereby the skin layer is set in the pre-molding container such that the opening of the skin layer fits to the entry of the pre-molding container.
- the pumping source is driven to produce airflow from the supply port to the inside of the skin layer through the entry fitted to the opening of the skin layer by use of means for connecting between the supply port and the entry and from the inside of the skin layer to the suction port of the padding container through the through hole of the pre-molding container.
- a predetermined amount of the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer by use of this airflow to form a padded body.
- the padded body is set in a molding container having a cavity having a predetermined shape, and then, steam is passed through the inside of the molding container. It is desirable to use a funnel as the means for connecting between the supply port and the entry of the pre-molding container.
- Fig.1 shows that filler is supplied into the inside of a skin layer set in a padding container.
- Fig.2 shows that a padded body formed in a manner shown in Fig.1 is set in a molding container.
- Fig.3 shows that steam is passed through a padded body set in a molding container.
- Fig.4 shows a headrest to be attached to a seat used for an automobile.
- Fig.4a is a plan view of a skin layer of the headrest
- Fig.4b is a bottom view of the skin layer
- Fig.4c is a partial sectional view of the skin layer.
- Fig.5 shows that a skin layer is set in a padding container when its lid part is opened.
- Fig.6 shows that a padding container is closed by a lid part and filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer by pumping the padding container.
- Fig.7 shows that a padded body is set in a molding container and steam is passed through the inside of the molding container.
- Fig.8 shows that a slide block of a padding and molding container is moved into its opening position and a skin layer with a stay is set in the padding and molding container.
- Fig.9 shows that a slide block of a padding and molding container is moved into its opening position and a skin layer with a stay is set in the padding and molding container and this slide block is then moved into its closing position.
- Fig.10 shows that a slide block of a padding and molding container is at its opening position, and the padding and molding container is pumped and filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer.
- Fig.11 shows that after filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer, a slide block of a padding and molding container is moved into its closing position and steam is passed through the inside of the padding and molding container.
- Fig.12 shows that filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer using a padding container according to the present invention.
- Fig.1 shows one arrangement wherein filler T is supplied to the inside of a skin layer set in a padding container 1.
- the padding container 1 is constructed of two parts, one being a main part 2, and another being a lid part 3 that can seal air-tightly its inside.
- the main part 2 has a suction port 4 connected to a vacuum pump (not shown).
- the padding container 1 has a supply port 5 for supplying the filler T.
- the supply port 5 is positioned in opposite to the position of the suction port 4 and is positioned at a connection between the main part 2 and the lid part 3.
- a skin layer 10 formed in a bag shape has a porous part and an opening 11, and the filler T is padded into the skin layer 10 through the opening 11.
- the opening 11 has a size fitted to the supply port 5 of the padding container 1.
- the skin layer 10 is positioned in the main part 2 such that the opening 11 of the skin layer 10 fits to the supply port 5 of the padding container 1, and the padding container 1 is then closed by the lid part 3.
- the inside of the padding container 1 is air-tightly sealed by the lid part 3.
- a funnel 12 is positioned so as to pass through the supply port 5 and the opening 11.
- the filler T is transported by this airflow so that the filler T is supplied to the inside of the skin layer 10.
- the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped.
- the lid part 3 is opened and a padded body 23 (Fig.2) (the filler T is padded into the skin layer 10) is removed from the padding container 1.
- a granular or fragmental material such as foamed urethane chips and a piece of cloth
- a very light weight material difficult to pad into the skin layer such as feather of a feather pillow or a feather mat
- a powder is difficult to handle when supplying to the inside of a skin layer because a powder is flew up.
- a powder can be used as the filler.
- a whole or a part of the skin layer may be porous. That is, airflow that can transport the filler is produced through a whole or a part of the skin layer. If a part of the skin layer is porous, the remaining part thereof may be non-porous.
- a water reactive binder is premixed with the filler, and a mixture of the filler and the binder is padded into the skin layer, as described above. Then, the opening of the skin layer is closed, and thereby such a padded body is formed.
- the padded body 23 is set in a molding container 20 (an upper mold 21, a lower mold 22) as shown in Fig.2 and is clamped between the upper mold 21 and the lower mold 22. Then, steam is passed through the inside of the molding container 20 (Fig.3). The binder reacts to the steam so that the filler adheres each other and adheres to the inner surface of the skin layer, and thereby a padded body that has a predetermined shape and is molded in one with the skin layer is manufactured.
- the padded body since the padded body has already become a finished product molded in one with the skin layer when the padded body is molded, the work for inserting an inner body formed of the filler in the skin layer is avoided. That is, in the art, as a problem, it takes long time for the work for inserting the inner body in association with the surface-smoothness of the inner body and the separation of a fraction thereof. However, according to the present invention, such a problem is avoided and the manufacturing cost is considerably reduced.
- a padded body since the filler adheres to an inner surface of the skin layer, the skin layer is not separated from the filler padded into the skin layer and is not shifted when practically using the padded body, and thus, the outline of the padded body can be stably maintained.
- Figs.4-7 show a method according to the present invention for manufacturing a headrest attached to a seat equipped in an automobile.
- Fig.4a is a front view of a skin layer of the headrest and Fig.4b is its bottom view.
- the skin layer 40 of the headrest H used herein is porous and is made of a fiber material, and a soft slab formed urethane 41 is attached on its back surface.
- holes 42, 42 are provided for inserting a stay 44 therein.
- a slit 43 as an opening for supplying filler therein is provided on the bottom of the skin layer 40. This slit 43 is usually closed as shown in Fig.4c.
- the stay 44 is inserted in the skin layer 40, and the skin layer 40 is then set in the main part 2 of the padding container 1 such that the slit 43 fits to the supply port 5, as shown in Fig.5. Then, the main part 2 is closed by the lid part 3, and the funnel 14 is positioned so as to pass through between the slit 43 and the supply port 5 (Fig.6).
- the filler T used herein is waste produced in productive steps for manufacturing a seat equipped in an automobile.
- the waste is made of a soft foamed urethane material and a skin layer material of the seat
- the waste is shattered to pieces and is then passed through 5mm screen mesh.
- the filler T is a mixture of those fragmental materials.
- the mixture contains 50wt% of soft foamed urethane and 50wt% of the skin layer material.
- 20wt% of urethane binder made of isocyanate pre-polymer (NCO:15%) is sprayed to the filler, and then the mixture of the filler and the binder is stirred.
- This urethane binder reacts to water so that its adhesive strength appears.
- the vacuum pump connected to the suction port 4 is driven, and thereby airflow is produced to the inside of the skin layer 40 through the funnel 14 positioned between the supply port 5 and the slit 43 and is produced to the suction port 4 through the skin layer 40.
- a predetermined amount (240g for a typical headrest) of the filler T described above is supplied to the inside of the skin layer 40 by use of this airflow to form a padded body 46.
- the padded body 46 expands over its predetermined shape when the filler is supplied.
- This padded body 46 is set in a molding container 70 (an upper mold 71, a lower mold 72) having a predetermined cavity, as shown in Fig.7.
- This molding container 70 has air holes 73 for supplying steam to the cavity (in this figure, the air holes are provided in the lower mold 70).
- the padded body 46 is set in the molding container 70 and is then shaped in a predetermined shape. Then, steam (for example, 5kg/cm 2 , 1 minutes) is supplied to the inside of the molding container 70. Thereby, the binder reacts to the steam so that the filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of the skin layer, and thus, the padded body is completely molded in the molding container.
- steam for example, 5kg/cm 2 , 1 minutes
- a water reactive binder Prior to supplying the filler to the inside of the skin layer, a water reactive binder is pre-supplied on a contact surface between the filler and the inner surface of the skin layer or an inserted member (in this example, a stay 44). This is because the adhesive strength and the adhesive reliability between the filler and the inner surface of the skin layer and between the filler and the insert member can be improved.
- Example 1 In Example 1 described above, two separated devices such as the suction container and the molding container are used to mold the padded body. In Example 2, such a padded body is manufactured by use of only one device. Example 2 is now described with referring to Figs. 8-11.
- a padding and molding container 80 has an upper mold 81 and a lower mold 82.
- the upper mold 81 is pivotally connected to the lower mold 82, and a cavity can be formed in the padding and molding container 80.
- the upper mold 81 has a slide block 81a and a suction port 84 connected to a vacuum pump.
- a supply port 85 is provided in the padding and molding container 80.
- the supply port 85 is provided at a position where the upper mold 81 meets the lower mold 82 such that the opening 43 of the skin layer 40 can fit to the supply port 85. (Also, holes or channels (not shown) may be provided for positioning a stay.)
- the slide block 81a can be air-tightly moved between an opening position and a closing position.
- the cavity is connected to the vacuum pump through the suction port 84.
- the slide block 81a is at the closing position, a predetermined shape of the cavity is formed inside the padding and molding container 80.
- the skin layer 40 with a stay is set in the padding and molding container 80 such that the slit 43 fits to the supply port 85.
- the upper mold 81 is pivotally moved and the padding and molding container 80 is then closed.
- the slide block 81a is at its opening position, and the suction port 84 is connected to the cavity of the padding and molding container 80.
- the funnel 86 is positioned so as to pass through the supply port 85 and the slit 43, and the vacuum pump is then driven. Thereby, airflow is produced to the inside of the skin layer 40 through the funnel 86 connected between the supply port 85 and the slit 43 and from the inside of the skin layer 40 to the suction port 84 through the cavity.
- the filler T mixed with the binder as provided in Example 1 is supplied to the inside of the skin layer 40.
- the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped, and thereby a padded body is formed.
- the slide block 81a is moved into its dosing position, and thereby the padded body is formed in a predetermined shape. Then, steam is supplied in the padding and molding container 80, and as a result, the padded body is molded in the predetermined shape, as described above in connection to Example 1.
- Fig.12 shows a method according to the present invention for forming a padded body using a padding container 120 comprising a suction container 121 and a pre-molding container 122 provided therein.
- the pre-molding container 122 has an upper part 122a and a lower part 122b.
- the pre-molding container 122 has a cavity slightly larger than a finished product
- the lower part 122b is fixed in the suction container 121.
- the suction container 121 has a suction port 121a connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) and a supply port 121b.
- the pre-molding container 122 has an entry 123 to be fitted to the slit 43 of the skin layer 40 and through holes 124, 124 connected between the inside of the pre-molding container and the inner space of the suction container 121. While the suction container 121 is evacuated, the cavity of the pre-molding container 122 is also evacuated through the through holes 124, 124. Thus, since those through holes 124, 124 determine a flow direction inside the cavity, filler can be evenly padded into the skin layer by appropriately determining a position of each through hole 124.
- the skin layer 40 with a stay is set in the pre-molding container 122, and the pre-molding container 122 is then closed by the upper part 122a. Then, a funnel 126 is inserted to the entry 123 fitted to the slit 43 through the supply port 121b of the suction container 121.
- the suction container is sealed air-tightly, and the vacuum pump is then driven.
- air is evacuated through the suction port 121a and air inside the cavity of the pre-molding container 122 is also evacuated through the through holes 124. That is, airflow is produced to the inside of the skin layer 40 through the funnel 123 connected between the supply port 121b and the entry 123 fitted to slit 43 of the skin layer 40.
- filler T prepared in a predetermined manner is supplied to the inside of the skin layer 40.
- the filler T is padded into the inside of the skin layer 40, and thus, a padded body is formed. Then, this padded body is set in the molding container shown in Fig.7, and thereby a padded body as a finished product is molded, as described in connection to Example 1.
- a padded body can be easily manufactured, without producing an undesirably curved seam and a wrinkle on the padded body, by padding filler into the skin layer and its quality is stably maintained even though any filler having any hardness is used.
- a skin layer of the padded body can be adhered to filler padded into it so as not to separate the skin layer from an inner body formed of the filler padded into it even though the padded body has a depression part.
- a padded body can be manufactured by use of filler made of a granular or fragmental material such as powder, feather, foamed urethane chips and a piece of the skin layer are produced in productive steps of a seat and accessories equipped in an automobile.
- a padded body can be manufactured by use of a recycled material, as the filler, made of waste such as foamed urethane chips and a piece of the skin layer produced in productive steps of a seat and accessories equipped in an automobile.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a padded body molding technique and, in particular, relates to a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler such as chips padded into the skin layer, a method for manufacturing such a padded body and padding and/or molding devices used for the manufacture thereof.
- A cushion may be used for a headrest and an armrest equipped in an automobile. Such a cushion is composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and an inner body molded in a desired three-dimensional shape, and the inner body is inserted in and covered with the skin layer. The inner body is formed of filler such as urethane chips, and such an inner body can be obtained by passing steam through a mixture of urethane chips and a water reactive urethane binder to adhere those chips each other.
- However, a surface of such an inner body is not smooth, and a fraction of the inner body is easily separated from its surface even though the chips are firmly adhered each other by the binder. Thus, it is not easy to cover the inner body with the skin layer.
- In addition, since the surface of the inner body is not smooth as described above, it takes long time for covering the inner body with the skin layer, and this makes the productivity worse. Also, even though such an inner body is covered with the skin layer, the skin layer is shifted relative to the inner body so that a wrinkle is produced on the surface of the skin layer and a seam of the skin layer is undesirably curved, and thus, as another problem, this makes its quality worse.
- Moreover, if the inner body has a depression part, it is required to carry out a special treatment between the depression part formed on the inner body and the corresponding part of the skin layer to adhere therebetween. Such a special treatment is carried out using adhesive and the like. However, since a surface to be treated is inside the skin layer, such a treatment is difficult to carry out.
- The surface-smoothness and the separation of a fraction of the inner body both become considerably worse, as the filler such as chips used for the inner body is harder. Thus, in the prior art, soft foamed urethane chips are used as the filler.
- In productive steps of a seat and accessories equipped in an automobile, a large amount of waste such as foamed urethane chips and a piece of the skin layer is produced. Even though it is considered to recycle such waste, it is difficult to use the waste as filler used for the inner body due to the reasons described above.
- Thus, the present invention is made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a padded body (typically used for a headrest and an armrest equipped in an automobile) composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material such as chips padded into the skin layer and its manufacturing method, and according to the present invention, the padded body can be easily formed by padding the filler into the skin layer and its quality is stably maintained even though any filler having any hardness is used.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide the padded body described above and its manufacturing method wherein the skin layer can be adhered to the filler padded into it so as not to separate the skin layer from a mass of the filler padded into it even though the padded body has a depression part.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a padding and/or molding container for carrying out the method according to the present invention.
- One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material padded into the skin layer wherein the filler adheres each other and adheres to the skin layer. In this method, a water reactive binder is mixed with the filler, and then, a mixture of the filler and the binder is padded into the skin layer to form a padded body. Then, steam is passed through the padded body so that the binder reacts to the steam passing through the padded body, and thereby the filler adheres each other and adheres to the inner surface of the skin layer.
- Prior to passing steam through the padded body, the method includes setting the padded body in a molding container. The molding container has a predetermined cavity, and thereby the padded body can be molded into a predetermined shape.
- Another aspect of the present invention is a method for forming a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material to be supplied to the inside of the skin layer. In this method, the skin layer has at least a porous part and an opening, and this skin layer is set in a padding container. The padding container has an inner space, a suction port connected between the inner space and a pumping source and a supply port through which the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer. The supply port is provided in the padding container such that the opening of the skin layer set in the padding container can fit to the supply port, and thereby the skin layer is set in the padding container such that the opening of the skin layer fits to the supply port Then, the pumping source is driven to produce airflow from the supply port to the inside of the skin layer through the opening and from the inside of the skin layer to the suction port Then, by use of this airflow, a predetermined amount of the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer to form a padded body.
- The filler may be premixed with a water reactive binder, and the padded body may be set in a molding container having a predetermined cavity. Thus, the binder reacts to steam passing through the molding container, and thereby the filler adheres each other and adheres to the skin layer.
- Still another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material padded into the skin layer wherein the filler adheres each other and adheres to the skin layer. In this method, a water reactive binder is premixed with the filler. The skin layer has at least a porous part and an opening for supplying the filler to the inside of skin layer, and this skin layer is set in a padding and molding container. This padding and molding container has a cavity and a slide block that can move between an opening position and a dosing position. When the slide block is moved into the closing position, the cavity is formed in a predetermined shape. The padding and molding container also has a supply port through which the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer and a suction port connected to a pumping source. When the slide block is moved into the opening position, the suction port connects between the cavity and the pumping source. The supply port is provided in the molding container such that the opening of the skin layer set in the padding and molding container fits to the supply port, and thereby the skin layer is set in the padding and molding container such that the opening of the skin layer fits to the supply port of the padding and molding container. Then, the pumping source is driven when the slide block is at the opening position, so that airflow is produced from the supply port to the inside of the skin layer through the opening of the skin layer and from the inside of the skin layer to the suction port Then, a predetermined amount of the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer by use of this airflow to form a padded body. Then, the slide block is moved into the closing position, and then, steam is passed through the inside of the padding and molding container.
- The other aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular of fragmental material padded into the skin layer wherein the filler adheres each other and adherers to an inner surface of the skin layer. In this method, a water reactive binder is premixed with the filler. The skin layer has at least a porous part and an opening for supplying the filler to the inside of the skin layer, and this skin layer is set in a pre-molding container provided in a padding container. The padding container has an inner space, a suction port connected between the inner space and a pumping source and a supply port connected to the outside of the padding container. The pre-molding container has a cavity, an entry through which the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer and at least one through hole connected between the cavity and the inner space of the padding container. The entry is provided in the pre-molding container such that the opening of the skin layer set in the pre-molding container fits to the entry, and thereby the skin layer is set in the pre-molding container such that the opening of the skin layer fits to the entry of the pre-molding container. Then, the pumping source is driven to produce airflow from the supply port to the inside of the skin layer through the entry fitted to the opening of the skin layer by use of means for connecting between the supply port and the entry and from the inside of the skin layer to the suction port of the padding container through the through hole of the pre-molding container. Then, a predetermined amount of the filler is supplied to the inside of the skin layer by use of this airflow to form a padded body. Then, the padded body is set in a molding container having a cavity having a predetermined shape, and then, steam is passed through the inside of the molding container. It is desirable to use a funnel as the means for connecting between the supply port and the entry of the pre-molding container.
- Fig.1 shows that filler is supplied into the inside of a skin layer set in a padding container.
- Fig.2 shows that a padded body formed in a manner shown in Fig.1 is set in a molding container.
- Fig.3 shows that steam is passed through a padded body set in a molding container.
- Fig.4 shows a headrest to be attached to a seat used for an automobile. Fig.4a is a plan view of a skin layer of the headrest, Fig.4b is a bottom view of the skin layer and Fig.4c is a partial sectional view of the skin layer.
- Fig.5 shows that a skin layer is set in a padding container when its lid part is opened.
- Fig.6 shows that a padding container is closed by a lid part and filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer by pumping the padding container.
- Fig.7 shows that a padded body is set in a molding container and steam is passed through the inside of the molding container.
- Fig.8 shows that a slide block of a padding and molding container is moved into its opening position and a skin layer with a stay is set in the padding and molding container.
- Fig.9 shows that a slide block of a padding and molding container is moved into its opening position and a skin layer with a stay is set in the padding and molding container and this slide block is then moved into its closing position.
- Fig.10 shows that a slide block of a padding and molding container is at its opening position, and the padding and molding container is pumped and filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer.
- Fig.11 shows that after filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer, a slide block of a padding and molding container is moved into its closing position and steam is passed through the inside of the padding and molding container.
- Fig.12 shows that filler is supplied to the inside of a skin layer using a padding container according to the present invention.
- As described in "Background of the art", there are several problems associated with inserting an inner body formed of filler in the inside of a skin layer formed in a bag shape. Also, it takes long time for inserting such an elastic inner body in the inside of the skin layer while compressing the inner body. In contrast according to the present invention, such problems do not arise. We now describe a method according to the present invention for manufacturing a padded body formed of filler made of a granular or fragmental material, with referring to Fig.1.
- Fig.1 shows one arrangement wherein filler T is supplied to the inside of a skin layer set in a padding container 1. The padding container 1 is constructed of two parts, one being a
main part 2, and another being alid part 3 that can seal air-tightly its inside. Themain part 2 has asuction port 4 connected to a vacuum pump (not shown). Also, the padding container 1 has asupply port 5 for supplying the filler T. Thesupply port 5 is positioned in opposite to the position of thesuction port 4 and is positioned at a connection between themain part 2 and thelid part 3. - A
skin layer 10 formed in a bag shape has a porous part and anopening 11, and the filler T is padded into theskin layer 10 through theopening 11. Theopening 11 has a size fitted to thesupply port 5 of the padding container 1. - The
skin layer 10 is positioned in themain part 2 such that theopening 11 of theskin layer 10 fits to thesupply port 5 of the padding container 1, and the padding container 1 is then closed by thelid part 3. The inside of the padding container 1 is air-tightly sealed by thelid part 3. In order to easily supply the filler T, afunnel 12 is positioned so as to pass through thesupply port 5 and theopening 11. - In this arrangement, when the vacuum pump is driven, air inside the padding container 1 is evacuated and the inside of the padding container is decompressed, so that air is flown from the outside of the padding container 1 into the inside of the
skin layer 10 through thefunnel 12 connected between thesupply port 5 and theopening 11. That is, airflow is produced from thesupply port 5 to thesuction port 4 through the inside of theskin layer 10. - Then, when the filler T is approached to the
funnel 12, the filler T is transported by this airflow so that the filler T is supplied to the inside of theskin layer 10. After a predetermined amount of the filler T is supplied, the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped. Then, thelid part 3 is opened and a padded body 23 (Fig.2) (the filler T is padded into the skin layer 10) is removed from the padding container 1. - As the filler used herein, not only a granular or fragmental material such as foamed urethane chips and a piece of cloth can be used, but also, for example, a very light weight material difficult to pad into the skin layer, such as feather of a feather pillow or a feather mat, can be used. In addition, a powder is difficult to handle when supplying to the inside of a skin layer because a powder is flew up. However, according to the present invention, a powder can be used as the filler.
- A whole or a part of the skin layer may be porous. That is, airflow that can transport the filler is produced through a whole or a part of the skin layer. If a part of the skin layer is porous, the remaining part thereof may be non-porous.
- In order to form a padded body wherein the filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of the skin layer, a water reactive binder is premixed with the filler, and a mixture of the filler and the binder is padded into the skin layer, as described above. Then, the opening of the skin layer is closed, and thereby such a padded body is formed.
- Then, the padded
body 23 is set in a molding container 20 (anupper mold 21, a lower mold 22) as shown in Fig.2 and is clamped between theupper mold 21 and thelower mold 22. Then, steam is passed through the inside of the molding container 20 (Fig.3). The binder reacts to the steam so that the filler adheres each other and adheres to the inner surface of the skin layer, and thereby a padded body that has a predetermined shape and is molded in one with the skin layer is manufactured. - As described above, since the padded body has already become a finished product molded in one with the skin layer when the padded body is molded, the work for inserting an inner body formed of the filler in the skin layer is avoided. That is, in the art, as a problem, it takes long time for the work for inserting the inner body in association with the surface-smoothness of the inner body and the separation of a fraction thereof. However, according to the present invention, such a problem is avoided and the manufacturing cost is considerably reduced. Moreover, in the art, when the inner body is covered with the skin layer, the skin layer is shifted relative to the inner body so that a wrinkle is produced on the skin layer and a seam of the skin layer is undesirably curved, and thus, as another problem, this makes its quality worse. However, according to the present invention, such a problem is not occurred.
- In addition, in a padded body according to the present invention, since the filler adheres to an inner surface of the skin layer, the skin layer is not separated from the filler padded into the skin layer and is not shifted when practically using the padded body, and thus, the outline of the padded body can be stably maintained.
- Figs.4-7 show a method according to the present invention for manufacturing a headrest attached to a seat equipped in an automobile.
- Fig.4a is a front view of a skin layer of the headrest and Fig.4b is its bottom view. The
skin layer 40 of the headrest H used herein is porous and is made of a fiber material, and a soft slab formedurethane 41 is attached on its back surface. On the bottom of theskin layer 40, holes 42, 42 are provided for inserting astay 44 therein. Also, aslit 43 as an opening for supplying filler therein is provided on the bottom of theskin layer 40. This slit 43 is usually closed as shown in Fig.4c. - The
stay 44 is inserted in theskin layer 40, and theskin layer 40 is then set in themain part 2 of the padding container 1 such that theslit 43 fits to thesupply port 5, as shown in Fig.5. Then, themain part 2 is closed by thelid part 3, and thefunnel 14 is positioned so as to pass through between theslit 43 and the supply port 5 (Fig.6). - The filler T used herein is waste produced in productive steps for manufacturing a seat equipped in an automobile. The waste is made of a soft foamed urethane material and a skin layer material of the seat The waste is shattered to pieces and is then passed through 5mm screen mesh. The filler T is a mixture of those fragmental materials. The mixture contains 50wt% of soft foamed urethane and 50wt% of the skin layer material. 20wt% of urethane binder made of isocyanate pre-polymer (NCO:15%) is sprayed to the filler, and then the mixture of the filler and the binder is stirred.
- This urethane binder reacts to water so that its adhesive strength appears.
- Then, the vacuum pump connected to the
suction port 4 is driven, and thereby airflow is produced to the inside of theskin layer 40 through thefunnel 14 positioned between thesupply port 5 and theslit 43 and is produced to thesuction port 4 through theskin layer 40. A predetermined amount (240g for a typical headrest) of the filler T described above is supplied to the inside of theskin layer 40 by use of this airflow to form apadded body 46. In general, even though theskin layer 40 is formed in a predetermined shape, the paddedbody 46 expands over its predetermined shape when the filler is supplied. - This
padded body 46 is set in a molding container 70 (anupper mold 71, a lower mold 72) having a predetermined cavity, as shown in Fig.7. Thismolding container 70 hasair holes 73 for supplying steam to the cavity (in this figure, the air holes are provided in the lower mold 70). - The padded
body 46 is set in themolding container 70 and is then shaped in a predetermined shape. Then, steam (for example, 5kg/cm2, 1 minutes) is supplied to the inside of themolding container 70. Thereby, the binder reacts to the steam so that the filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of the skin layer, and thus, the padded body is completely molded in the molding container. - Finally, the padded body completely molded is removed from the molding container.
- Prior to supplying the filler to the inside of the skin layer, a water reactive binder is pre-supplied on a contact surface between the filler and the inner surface of the skin layer or an inserted member (in this example, a stay 44). This is because the adhesive strength and the adhesive reliability between the filler and the inner surface of the skin layer and between the filler and the insert member can be improved.
- In Example 1 described above, two separated devices such as the suction container and the molding container are used to mold the padded body. In Example 2, such a padded body is manufactured by use of only one device. Example 2 is now described with referring to Figs. 8-11.
- With referring to Fig.8, a padding and
molding container 80 has anupper mold 81 and alower mold 82. Theupper mold 81 is pivotally connected to thelower mold 82, and a cavity can be formed in the padding andmolding container 80. Theupper mold 81 has aslide block 81a and asuction port 84 connected to a vacuum pump. Asupply port 85 is provided in the padding andmolding container 80. Thesupply port 85 is provided at a position where theupper mold 81 meets thelower mold 82 such that theopening 43 of theskin layer 40 can fit to thesupply port 85. (Also, holes or channels (not shown) may be provided for positioning a stay.) - While the padding and
molding container 80 is dosed by pivotally moving theupper mold 81, theslide block 81a can be air-tightly moved between an opening position and a closing position. When theslide block 81a is at the opening position, the cavity is connected to the vacuum pump through thesuction port 84. When theslide block 81a is at the closing position, a predetermined shape of the cavity is formed inside the padding andmolding container 80. - As shown in Fig.8, the
skin layer 40 with a stay is set in the padding andmolding container 80 such that theslit 43 fits to thesupply port 85. Then, as shown in Fig.9, theupper mold 81 is pivotally moved and the padding andmolding container 80 is then closed. When this, theslide block 81a is at its opening position, and thesuction port 84 is connected to the cavity of the padding andmolding container 80. - Then, as shown in Fig.10, the
funnel 86 is positioned so as to pass through thesupply port 85 and theslit 43, and the vacuum pump is then driven. Thereby, airflow is produced to the inside of theskin layer 40 through thefunnel 86 connected between thesupply port 85 and theslit 43 and from the inside of theskin layer 40 to thesuction port 84 through the cavity. By use of this airflow, the filler T mixed with the binder as provided in Example 1 is supplied to the inside of theskin layer 40. When a predetermined amount of the filler T is supplied to the inside of theskin layer 40, the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped, and thereby a padded body is formed. - Then, as shown in Fig.11, the
slide block 81a is moved into its dosing position, and thereby the padded body is formed in a predetermined shape. Then, steam is supplied in the padding andmolding container 80, and as a result, the padded body is molded in the predetermined shape, as described above in connection to Example 1. - Fig.12 shows a method according to the present invention for forming a padded body using a
padding container 120 comprising asuction container 121 and apre-molding container 122 provided therein. Thepre-molding container 122 has anupper part 122a and alower part 122b. Thepre-molding container 122 has a cavity slightly larger than a finished product Thelower part 122b is fixed in thesuction container 121. Thesuction container 121 has asuction port 121a connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) and a supply port 121b. - The
pre-molding container 122 has anentry 123 to be fitted to theslit 43 of theskin layer 40 and throughholes suction container 121. While thesuction container 121 is evacuated, the cavity of thepre-molding container 122 is also evacuated through the throughholes holes hole 124. - In order to form a padded body, firstly, the
skin layer 40 with a stay is set in thepre-molding container 122, and thepre-molding container 122 is then closed by theupper part 122a. Then, afunnel 126 is inserted to theentry 123 fitted to theslit 43 through the supply port 121b of thesuction container 121. - Then, the suction container is sealed air-tightly, and the vacuum pump is then driven. Thereby, air is evacuated through the
suction port 121a and air inside the cavity of thepre-molding container 122 is also evacuated through the throughholes 124. That is, airflow is produced to the inside of theskin layer 40 through thefunnel 123 connected between the supply port 121b and theentry 123 fitted to slit 43 of theskin layer 40. By this airflow, filler T prepared in a predetermined manner is supplied to the inside of theskin layer 40. - Thereby, the filler T is padded into the inside of the
skin layer 40, and thus, a padded body is formed. Then, this padded body is set in the molding container shown in Fig.7, and thereby a padded body as a finished product is molded, as described in connection to Example 1. - According to the present invention, a padded body can be easily manufactured, without producing an undesirably curved seam and a wrinkle on the padded body, by padding filler into the skin layer and its quality is stably maintained even though any filler having any hardness is used.
- Also, in a padded body manufactured according to the present invention, a skin layer of the padded body can be adhered to filler padded into it so as not to separate the skin layer from an inner body formed of the filler padded into it even though the padded body has a depression part.
- In addition, according to the present invention, a padded body can be manufactured by use of filler made of a granular or fragmental material such as powder, feather, foamed urethane chips and a piece of the skin layer are produced in productive steps of a seat and accessories equipped in an automobile. In particular, according to the present invention, a padded body can be manufactured by use of a recycled material, as the filler, made of waste such as foamed urethane chips and a piece of the skin layer produced in productive steps of a seat and accessories equipped in an automobile.
Claims (15)
- A method for manufacturing a padded body comprising the steps of:mixing filler made of a granular or fragmental material and a water reactive binder;padding a mixture of the filler and the water reactive binder into a skin layer to form a padded body; andpassing steam through the padded body,thereby said binder reacts to said steam, so that the filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of the skin layer.
- The method of claim 1, further including the step of setting in a molding container having a predetermined cavity, prior to said step of passing steam through the padded body.
- A method for manufacturing a padded body comprising the steps of:preparing a skin layer formed in a bag shape, said skin layer having at least a porous part and an opening for supplying a granular or fragmental filler therein;setting said skin layer in a padding container, said padding container having an inner space, a suction port connected between the inner space and a pumping source and a supply port for supplying said filler, said skin layer being set in said padding container such that said opening fits to said supply port;driving said pumping source to produce airflow from said supply port to the inside of said skin layer through said opening and from the inside of said skin layer to said suction port; andsupplying a predetermined amount of said filler to the inside of said skin layer by use of said airflow to form the padded body.
- The method of claim 3, further including the steps of:premixing said filler and a water reactive binder;setting the padded body in a molding container having a predetermined cavity; andpassing steam through the inside of said molding container,wherein said binder reacts to said steam, and thereby the filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of said skin layer.
- A method for manufacturing a padded body comprising the steps of:premixing filler made of a granular or fragmental material and a water reactive binder;preparing a skin layer formed in a bag shape, said skin layer having at least a porous part and an opening for supplying said filler;setting said skin layer in a padding and molding container, said padding and molding container having a slide block movable between a closing position and an opening position, a cavity formed in a predetermined shape when said slide block is moved into said closing position, a supply port for supplying said filler and a suction port connected between said cavity and a pumping source when said slide block is moved into said opening position, wherein said skin layer is set in said padding and molding container such that said opening fits to said supply port;positioning said slide block at said opening position, and driving said pumping source to produce airflow from said supply port to the inside of said skin layer through said opening and from the inside of said skin layer to said suction port;supplying a predetermined amount of said filler to the inside of said skin layer by use of said airflow to form a padded body;moving said slide block into said closing position; andpassing steam through the inside of said padding and molding container,thereby said binder reacts to said steam so that said filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of said skin layer.
- A method for manufacturing a padded body comprising the steps of:premixing filler made of a granular or fragmental material and a water reactive binder;preparing a skin layer formed in a bag shape, said skin layer having at least a porous part and an opening for supplying said filler therein;setting said skin layer in a pre-molding container provided inside a suction container, said suction container having an inner space, an output port connected between the inner space and a pumping source and an input port connected to the outside thereof, said pre-molding container having a cavity, a suction port connected between said cavity and said inner space and a supply port disposed so as to fit to said opening, wherein said skin layer is set in said pre-molding container such that said opening fits to said suction port;driving said pumping source to produce airflow from said input port to the inside of said skin layer through said opening fitted to said supply port by use of means for connecting between said input port and said supply port and from the inside of said skin layer to said output port through said suction port;supplying a predetermined amount of said filler to the inside of said skin layer by use of said airflow to form a padded body;setting the padded body in a molding container having a cavity having a predetermined shape; andpassing steam through the inside of said molding container;thereby said binder reacts to said steam, and said filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of said skin layer.
- The method of claim 6, wherein a funnel is used as said means for connecting between said input port and said supply port
- The method of any one of claims 3, 5 and 6, wherein said filler is made of foamed urethane, cloth or plastics, and said binder is a urethane binder.
- A padded body composed of a skin layer formed in a bag shape and filler made of a granular or fragmental material padded into said skin layer, wherein a water reactive binder mixed with said filler reacts to steam passing through the padded body, and thereby said filler adheres each other and adheres to an inner surface of said skin layer.
- The padded body of claim 9, wherein said steam is passed through said padded body set in a molding container having a predetermined cavity.
- A padding and molding container having a cavity therein comprising:a slide block movable between a closing position and an opening position.a supply port for supplying filler made of a granular or fragmental material to the inside of a skin layer having at least a porous part and an opening for supplying said filler therein, said opening fitting to said supply port; anda suction port connected between said cavity and a pumping source when said slide block is at said opening position, said cavity having a predetermined shape when said slide block is at said closing position.
- The padding and molding container of claim 11, wherein when said slide block is at said opening position and said pumping source is driven, airflow is produced from said supply port to the inside of the skin layer through said opening and from the inside of said skin layer to said suction port, and said filler is supplied to the inside of said skin layer by use of said airflow, and
wherein when said slide block is at said closing position, a padded body in which a predetermined amount of said filler is padded is set in said molding container and is formed in a shape corresponding to said predetermined shape of said cavity. - The padding and molding container of claim 12 further including at least one air hole for passing steam through said air hole, when a water reactive binder is mixed with said filler to be supplied.
- A padding container for forming a padded body comprising of:an inner space;a suction port connected between said inner space and a pumping source;a supply port connected to the outside of the padding container; anda pre-molding container provided in said inner space,said pre-molding container comprising of:a cavity formed therein;an entry for supplying filler made of a granular or fragmental material to the inside of a skin layer having at least a porous part and an opening, said filler being supplied to the inside of said skin layer through said opening; andat least one through hole connected between said cavity and said inner space,wherein said skin layer is set in said pre-molding container such that said opening fits to said entry.
- The padding container of claim 14, wherein said supply port is connected to said opening by use of a funnel.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP28948099 | 1999-10-12 | ||
JP28948099A JP3698932B2 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 1999-10-12 | Filling body |
PCT/JP2000/000908 WO2001026875A1 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2000-02-17 | Filled article |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1149676A1 true EP1149676A1 (en) | 2001-10-31 |
EP1149676A4 EP1149676A4 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
EP1149676B1 EP1149676B1 (en) | 2007-10-10 |
Family
ID=17743831
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00904013A Expired - Lifetime EP1149676B1 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2000-02-17 | Method for manufacturing a padded body |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6946043B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1149676B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3698932B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100576212B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2356348A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60036689T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001026875A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3012083A1 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2016-04-27 | Grammer Ag | Method and tool for producing a component, component |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6431812B2 (en) * | 2015-05-29 | 2018-11-28 | 株式会社タチエス | Manufacturing method of skin integral foam molding |
ITUB20153746A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-18 | Linea Fabbrica S R L | COMPONENT OF A SITTING ELEMENT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE |
DE102020204873A1 (en) | 2020-04-17 | 2021-10-21 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Process for the production of a sandwich component |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3012083A1 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2016-04-27 | Grammer Ag | Method and tool for producing a component, component |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60036689T2 (en) | 2008-07-17 |
EP1149676A4 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
KR100576212B1 (en) | 2006-05-03 |
JP2001104667A (en) | 2001-04-17 |
CA2356348A1 (en) | 2001-04-19 |
KR20010080752A (en) | 2001-08-22 |
US6946043B1 (en) | 2005-09-20 |
EP1149676B1 (en) | 2007-10-10 |
WO2001026875A1 (en) | 2001-04-19 |
DE60036689D1 (en) | 2007-11-22 |
JP3698932B2 (en) | 2005-09-21 |
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